There are eight mistakes you should avoid at the U.S. Customs Security Line

We’re sure that when people say they want travelers to enjoy their journey and not just their destination, they don’t consider the stress in modern airports. When you’re at the airport, it can be stressful. congested lines for TSA screenings Airports, with their ever-changing departure time and difficult-to-find gate, can cause even experienced travelers to get lost. Most of the stress that travelers experience is caused by mistakes they could have avoided, particularly when going through Customs. 

It only takes a few minutes a little preparation and organization Travelers can become professionals. What better source of advice than airline and airport employees who know the area? You can read below to find out eight of most common mistakes that travelers make when they go through U.S. Customs.

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Last minute scrambling for documents is a common mistake

Solution: Use an exclusive travel wallet

You’ve probably been in this situation: you just landed from a long flight across the Atlantic and are a bit bleary-eyed. You don’t even know what time zone you are in or where you can find half your documents. You get off the plane, and you say that you will look for your documents while you wait in line. When passengers wait to search until they are at the front line of Customs, their passport, boarding pass, or declaration form, it can slow down the process and add unnecessary stress,” says Denise Margrét Yaghi, a senior cabin crew member at PLAY Airlines. 

To better prepare, Yaghi recommends purchasing a travel wallet Keep everything in one place, including passports, IDs, forms, and cards. This bag comes in 12 different colors. (Another tip: choose a more vibrant color to make it easier to see in a busy carry-on or purse.) It also has RFID-blocking technology to ensure that your most sensitive documents are kept as safe as possible. 

Mistake: Failing to declare your items 

Solution: Create a packing checklist 

Even though it may seem simple, forgetting what you bought on vacation (especially after two weeks of rest) is inevitable. Even seasoned travelers forget that they are carrying restricted items like electronics, liquids or food. In order to avoid this, Yaghi recommends creating a packing checklist. Rocketbook’s reusable notebookIt’s an affordable and easy way to stay on top of things. 

Travelers who are high-tech can make use of technology such as Amazon’s Alexa Echo Create a digital packing checklist, which will alert you to any Customs-sensitive items. You can review them before landing. The Alexa App allows travelers to set up travel-specific reminders such as “Declare the Cheese” or “Carry on liquids less than 100 milliliters”, and Alexa reminds them the day prior to travel.

The wrong snacks packed into the snack bag

Seal your snacks and keep them in your carry-on

It is important to note that the illegal importation of fresh fruit and vegetables into foreign countries, along with other restricted goods (and into the U.S.The warning is widely advertised, but it is easy to overlook when you are hungry at 10 am and place an orange in your bag for the flight, only to realize you did not eat it, and the Spanish Orange is now on U.S. territory with you. 

To avoid this situation (and what to do), always keep your favorite shelf-stable snacks and granola in your carry-on. handy, reusable Stasher Bag. You won’t starve, and you’ll avoid being pulled over by Customs and potentially fined.

Mistake: A dead phone battery

Solution: Keep your devices charged

We know it’s easy to forget the chargers or converters that keep your devices charged. In a digital age, you will be unable to enjoy your favorite entertainment if the battery on your phone runs out. Many travel documents are also stored in our phones. 

Yaghi says that many passengers depend on their phones to access digital forms or boarding passes, but then find out the battery has died when they are in a hurry. She advises travelers to always bring a powerbank that can quickly charge multiple devices and is approved for air travel. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger The charger is TSA approved and lightweight. You can charge your smartphone up to three charges on a single charge.

Mistake: wearing complex shoes 

Avoid slip-on shoes 

At security and customs checks, travelers are often required to remove their footwear. Yaghi says that wearing high-laced boots or other items can slow down the line. “Stick with shoes that are comfortable and easy to remove,” says Yaghi. These are the shoes that Yaghi suggests. Skechers slip-ons As a seamless choice for travelers, they provide supportive cushioning and have a minimalist design. They are also cooling, which is ideal for long journeys.

Excessive jewelry and accessories 

Store them in your carryon 

Yaghi says that in addition to shoes, many travelers are asked to remove belts, metal jewellery, and other layers of accessories. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry to “ensure smooth passage through airport security checkpoints.” You can arrive in style if you are a traveler. small jewelry container If you want to look glamorous when you get there, keep a bag or pouch in your carry on. Be sure to store your earrings in a place that is secure so you don’t lose them down a drain. 

Mistake: Feeling dehydrated or sick in a long queue

Solution: Take a reusable water bottle

After a long flight, or even before if you have experienced traffic or delays on the way to the airport, it’s easy to get dehydrated. TSA recommends bringing a refillable bottle of water in your carry on. You can fill it up after you’ve completed security at the terminal or before Customs if you have a long flight. Many arrival halls offer water fountains along the route to Customs. It’s the best way to stay hydrated when the lines at the airport are longer than normal. 

This bottle will not take up much space. collapsible version This is a fantastic solution. It holds 27 ounces but can be folded down to only 5.9 inches. Use the aluminum alloy to attach it to the outside your bag, so that you don’t have to worry about taking up any space inside!

Carry-on liquids overloaded is a common mistake.

Solution: Transfer your toiletries in TSA-approved bottles

TSA spokeswoman says “oversized toiletries can still be found at the security checkpoints” despite liquids, gels and aerosols only being allowed to weigh 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage. Purchasing a can make your travels easier. variety of 3-ounce reusable travel bottles Keep all your toiletries together in spray bottles and squeeze bottles, such as liquid soaps and moisturizers. 

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